Ancient Mayan altar for human sacrifices discovered in Guatemala

An ancient Mayan altar, believed to have been used for human sacrifices, has been unearthed in Guatemala, offering new insights into the civilization's complex past. The circular structure, discovered at the El Tigre archaeological site in the northern department of Petén, dates back over 2,000 years to the Preclassic Terminal period (100 BC-150 AD).

Dubbed 'Okox,' meaning 'mushroom' in the Mayan q'eqchi' language, the altar is a circular building approximately 2.2 meters high and 5 meters in diameter, connected to a rectangular structure. Its exceptional construction quality, featuring carefully carved limestone blocks and rare decorative elements like perimeter moldings and traces of red paint, stands out.

“

Okox constitutes an exceptional case study for understanding one of the most complex periods in the history of the Mayan lowlands.

Excavations, involving specialists from Guatemala, France, Mexico, and Canada, revealed evidence of child burials associated with the building's construction, suggesting ritual offerings and probable human sacrifice. One infant, less than three months old, was buried north of the structure, while another child, aged seven to nine, was interred on the west side.

“

ritual offerings, which suggest probable human sacrifice practices.

At the center of the altar, a man between 30 and 40 years old was buried. Near him, a stingray spine awl was found, indicating its use in self-sacrifice rituals. This suggests the individual held a high religious or political rank.

This significant find at 'Okox' provides an exceptional case study for understanding one of the most intricate periods in the history of the Mayan lowlands, a civilization that flourished across Mesoamerica.

“

in rituals of autosacrifice, so it is presumed that he had a high religious or political role.